My Story
Hi, I’m Kai, the brains behind Polysoma, an Adelaide based psychotherapy and sexology practice.
I help people heal from complex trauma, physical and emotional pain, shame, sexual concerns, and anything else they’re working through.
As a somatic practitioner in psychotherapy and sexology, I know healing and growth can take more than just talking through the challenges you’re facing. Often, we can feel the problems we face in our bodies—so it’s important to form connections with ourselves, and those around us.
My role is to help you build an empathetic connection with your body, so you can kick-start your journey of self-discovery, navigate transformative experiences, and begin healing. And eventually the journey to recovery.
My qualifications include:
- Masters of Counselling. University of Canberra.
- Bachelor of Clinical Practice. Charles Sturt University.
My training and certifications include:
- Somatic sexology and embodied counselling training through the Institute of Somatic Sexology Australia.
- Like a Pro, Wheel of Consent®, embodied consent training through the School of Consent, U.S.
- Training in trauma sensitive practice for complex trauma, trauma safety, stabilisation, processing & integration, BlueKnot Foundation.
- Training in trauma informed diversity awareness, supporting LGBTQI+ and gender diverse persons. BlueKnot Foundation.
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT).
- Trauma Focussed Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (TF-ACT).
- Explain Pain for Professionals by the NOI Group. Equipped with the latest advancements in clinical pain science.
- RISE UP Clinical Supervision training.
- Training in Blood Borne Viruses (BBV), Family Violence, Childhood Trauma in Care, Australian Institute of Social Relations.
- Comprehensive Systematic Review Training in the Masters of Clinical Science program at the Joanna Briggs Institute, University of Adelaide.
My professional community:
My professional network holds significant value for me. It allows me to stay connected with peers who share similar interests and expertise, enabling me to stay informed about the latest advancements in my field and enhances my practice.
- Professional member Australian Counselling Association.
- Professional member of the Association of Somatic and Integrative Sexologists.
- Professional member of the Somatic Sex Educators Association Australasia.
- Professional member BlueKnot Foundation.
- Member LGBTIQ+ Health Australia.
- Associate member Chronic Pain Australia.
- Professional member AUS & NZ Vulvovaginal Society
Previous specialisations:
- Emergency Paramedic — with extensive clinical work in primary emergency health care, acute mental health care & community paramedicine.
My honours and awards:
- I was awarded the National Medal of Australia recognising my work as a paramedic
Professional literature I have read:
- Being a helping professional requires being up-to-date with the latest literature. Discover the literature I’ve read throughout my professional growth here.
Upcoming professional development, focus in:
In 2024:
- Further BlueKnot Foundation training in Managing Wellbeing and Recognising Vicarious Trauma, Building Awareness and Connection with the Body – completed.
- Graduate Certificate in Sexology, studying: sexology challenges & opportunities, forensic sexology, sexology theories and models, sexology attitudes and values – currently ongoing.
- Recognise and Respond to Disclosures of Rape and Sexual Assault – June.
- Psychosexual Somatics® Therapy training UK – September.
- Internal Family Systems training – October.
- Bodily Relearning training, protection systems, pain, movement reflection, mindfulness neurodynamic exercises – November.
In 2025:
- Currently planning.
In the future:
- I hope to eventually pursue a Professional Doctorate. Such study will enable me to undertake real world research and enhance my professional proficiency in a specialised field.
But my story doesn’t end there.
I find immense joy in sharing my encounters with the natural world. The ocean, with its liberating embrace, offers me a profound sense of freedom. I cherish the tranquil melody of waves cascading on a sun-kissed summer afternoon. The natural world is an important aspect of my life. Spirituality for me is embodied with nature. As an intuitive, curious and transcendental person, I can guide you and support you. I’ll help you feel grounded and empowered to take these steps towards healing.
Feeling into the experiences of life is essential for healing—but when you’ve experienced a lot of challenging things, feeling can be hard: I know from personal experience.
Like many people, I have my own experiences with trauma and pain. And I decided to start Polysoma because I was able to grow, recover, and become more resilient. Healing is a lifelong journey with ups and downs: but you don’t have to go through it alone. I am passionate about using my lived and professional experience to give back and help others who are still struggling themselves.
My experiences—which include relational trauma, medical trauma, sexual abuse, challenges with sexuality and living with chronic pain—shape the way I work, allowing me to develop profound and therapeutic connections with my clients. My approach is characterised by kindness, emotional awareness and agency. But my experiences will never be the same as yours. I am careful to not let my personal experiences dictate the way I work with you, because everyone experiences things differently—and it’s important we set professional boundaries, so we can work together in a way that aligns with your needs and goals.
In professional settings, there is a boundary for self-disclosure, and rightfully so. While some professionals discourage it, others—particularly those with lived experience—embrace it. I believe self-disclosure can be powerful for developing a connection between clients and practitioners. Sharing parts of my own story can be therapeutic as we work together, but I will only share what is appropriate, and as I share these experiences with you, I kindly request you refrain from further inquiry.
How I work with you
I offer psychotherapy and counselling at my Adelaide practice, nestled in the heart of Goodwood at the GoodHub. I also provide virtual sessions, ensuring accessibility regardless of your global whereabouts.
Register as a new client. Connect to my schedule, find a time and day that works for you.
We have a 1:1 discussion regarding your needs and goals for working with me. We learn about each other. We create a bespoke plan just for you.
You delve into self-discovery, navigate transformative experiences, and take charge to improve your health and wellbeing.